Materials & Designs
Flashlights come in lots of shapes and sizes and are constructed of different
materials. Some of the most popular materials used are machined
aircraft aluminum, high-impact ABS thermoplastic and non-conductive
polymers.
Materials
Aircraft aluminum is virtually indestructible. Flashlights
made from aircraft aluminum have successfully survived being
dropped, run over, stepped on, severe beatings, impact with
various body parts and more. And they keep on shining! Savvy
manufacturers usually add a knurled or beaded design to
facilitate a firm grip.
ABS thermoplastic and non-conductive polymers are ideal
materials for flashlights destined for use in hazardous
or wet environments. They won’t cause sparks if dropped
or banged against a metal surface in an oil refinery or
paint factory. They won’t corrode when exposed to high
levels of humidity often found in coastal locations.
Designs
Most flashlights are still made in the round, tubular
shape popularized by Conrad Huber back in 1898. There
have been, over time, modifications and newer styles introduced.
Primarily, these have occurred in flashlights made of
ABS thermoplastic and non-conductive polymers. Lanterns,
right angle flashlights, helmet lights, underwater lights
and handheld spotlights have been the beneficiaries of
these style and technological innovations. The results
are lighter weight, safer, user-friendly, more versatile
units. The chart below details the various flashlight
types and features, to help you make an informed decision:
| Primary |
Tactical |
Fire/Safety |
Spotlights |
General/Special |
Worn on belt
|
For special operations
|
For use in hazardous environments
|
Used from vehicle
|
Used in office, vehicle, street
|
Primary light source
|
Secondary light source
|
Have UL rating
|
Bright enough to see 400 yards
|
Low brightness
|
Disposable or rechargeable
batteries
|
3 volt lithium battery
|
Disposable or rechargeable
batteries
|
Rechargeable batteries; DC plug
|
Disposable
|
Hand-held
|
Hand-held or gun-mounted
|
Hand-held, helmet-mounted, clothing-mounted,
right-angle
|
Vehicle-mounted or hand-held
|
Hand-held/key chain; penlight, clip
light; map light
|
| 7”-19” long |
3”-7” long |
1”-12” long |
7”-9” long |
4’-9” long/1”-4”
long |
Learn even more about Flashlights. Continue on or click any of the links below to go directly to that topic.
|
